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U.S.A

VAJRA PRAHAR

14th Edition of the exercise “VAJRA PRAHAR 2023” commenced in Umroi, Meghalaya recently. It is a joint military special force exercise between India and U.S.A

22 November, 2023 U.S.A

India-US Economic and Financial Partnership

India-US Economic and Financial Partnership The 9th Ministerial Meeting of the India-US Economic and Financial Partnership took place recently. The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs led the Indian delegation, while the Treasury Secretary led the US delegation. What are the Meet's Main Highlights? Attempts to Raise Climate Ambition: Both countries shared the reenergized global efforts to raise climate ambition, as well as their respective domestic efforts to meet publicly stated climate goals. Macroeconomic Issues: In the context of the Ukrainian conflict, both reaffirmed their commitment to the central role of multilateral cooperation in addressing global macroeconomic challenges, such…

17 November, 2022 U.S.A

India-US Relations

India-US Relations External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently stated that the relationship between India and the United States has an impact on the rest of the world because many countries look to the association individually and bilaterally. India-US relations: Comprehensive global strategic partnership: India and the United States have a comprehensive global strategic partnership that spans almost all areas of human endeavour and is fueled by shared democratic values, convergence of interests on a variety of issues, and vibrant people-to-people contacts. Bilateral Dialogue Mechanisms: Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, India-US cooperation has seen intense engagement in a variety of areas, including…

01 October, 2022 U.S.A

India - US Relations UPSC

India - US Relations UPSC Introduction India - US relations have developed into a "global strategic partnership", based on shared democratic values and increasing convergence of interests on bilateral, regional and global issues. The emphasis placed by the Government in India on development and good governance has created an opportunity to reinvigorate bilateral ties and enhance cooperation under the motto --- “ChaleinSaathSaath: Forward Together We Go”, and "SanjhaPrayas, Sab ka Vikas" (Shared Effort, Progress for All) adopted during the first two summits of Prime Minister Modi and President Obama in September 2014 and January 2015 respectively. The summit level joint statement…

11 January, 2022 U.S.A

 India-U.S. Relations Overview

 India-U.S. Relations Overview Context: This topic is important for UPSE GS Paper2.  India-U.S. bilateral relations have developed into a "global strategic partnership", based on shared democratic values and increasing convergence of interests on bilateral, regional and global issues. The cooperation is based on the idea of “ChaleinSaathSaath: Forward Together We Go”, and "SanjhaPrayas, Sab ka Vikas" (Shared Effort, Progress for All). Today, the India-U.S. bilateral cooperation is broad-based and multi-sectoral, covering trade and investment, defence and security, education, science and technology, cyber security, high-technology, civil nuclear energy, space technology and applications, clean energy, environment, agriculture and health. Vibrant people-to-people interaction…

03 November, 2021 U.S.A

India US Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue (CAFMD)

India US Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue (CAFMD) India and the United States are natural partners with shared values and our agenda encompasses all major pillars of our strategic priorities - including defence, security, energy, technology, education and healthcare The United States is to collaborate with India to work towards installing 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030. Currently, India’s installed power capacity is projected to be 476 GW by 2021-22, and is expected to rise to at least 817 GW by 2030. Mr. Kerry was speaking at a public function following a meeting with Union Environment Minister Bhupender…

14 September, 2021 USA

Atlantic Charter after 80 years

Atlantic Charter after 80 years What is Atlantic Charter? The Atlantic Charter was a joint declaration issued during World War II (1939-45) by the United States and Great Britain that set out a vision for the postwar world. It was announced on August 14, 1941. Among its major points were a nation’s right to choose its own government, the easing of trade restrictions and a plea for postwar disarmament. The document is considered one of the first key steps toward the establishment of the United Nations in 1945. The Atlantic Charter included 8 common principles: Among them, the United States…

11 June, 2021 U.S.A

India on US’s Currency Watch list

India on US’s Currency Watch list The US treasury places India along with 10 other countries on its currency watch list. What is Currency Manipulator: Current Manipulators are countries engaging in “unfair currency practices” by deliberately devaluing their currency against the dollar. The practice would mean that the country in question is artificially lowering the value of its currency. By that, it aims to gain an unfair advantage over others. This is because the devaluation would reduce the cost of exports from that country. Thus, more exports will result in a reduction in trade deficits. Criteria: the US places a country…

18 April, 2021 U.S.A

President Biden Revokes Immigrant Ban

President Biden Revokes Immigrant Ban In 2020 the US President imposed a ban on H-1B visas. The current US President decided to reverse the ban & allowed a 2020 ban to expire on March 31st. About the 2020 H1-B Visa Ban: In 2020, the previous US President signed an executive order suspending the entry of H-1B and other foreign work visa holders. This decision was to protect American jobs after the Covid-19 pandemic impacts. However, the ban did not have its intended impact. Why was it allowed to expire? H-1B visa allows cheap labour in the US, they are beneficial to…

03 April, 2021 U.S.A

Data related to USA and INDIA

Trade between India and USA I-USA Bilateral trade in goods and services desired goal is $500 billion.  In the five years to 2019, bilateral trade grew at an aCAGR of 7.7% per year to $146 billion. If the same rate of growth is maintained, the$500 billion targets will be achieved by 2036. To ensure this, theCAGR of India should be set at 11.9%.

19 March, 2021 U.S.A

Types of Visas Granted by the US Administration

Types of Visas Granted by the US Administration To fill a vacuum of highly-skilled low-cost employees in IT and other related domains, the US administration issues a certain number of visas each year which allows companies from outside the US to send their employees to work on client sites. When a person travels to the US with a non-immigrant visa, then he/she has to depart from the US by the date of visa expiration. It allows one to work for a specific employer only.  H1B Visa It is most popular among Indian IT companies. Issued for a period of 3…

09 March, 2021 USA

India-U.S. relationship- During the Biden's regime

India-U.S. relationship- During Biden's regime Introduction The new U.S. President, Joseph Biden, has spent much of his first month in office changing Mr. Trump’s policies, including reversing the U.S.’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, the World Health Organization, the UN Human Rights Council, and cancelling the “Muslim” ban and other immigration policies, among a slew of other domestic measures through executive orders. The connect this time Biden is not at present planning to change the course on the push for the Quadrilateral and Indo-Pacific policy. A virtual Quad Ministerial meeting was held that included the Foreign Ministers of Japan…

27 February, 2021 U.S.A

USA Iran relations and JCPOA

USA-Iran relations and JCPOA On his first full day on the job, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed the administration’s position that if Iran were to become compliant with the terms of the now defunct Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA, or the “Iran deal”), the U.S. would re-enter it too. The Trump administration had pulled out of the deal in 2018. “With regard to Iran, President Biden has been very clear in saying that if Iran comes back into full compliance with its obligations under the JCPOA, the United States would do the same thing and then we…

29 January, 2021 U.S.A

USA to review Taliban deal

Biden govt. to review the U.S.-Taliban deal It wants to ascertain if the outfit is ‘living up to its commitments to reduce violence in Afghanistan’ The Biden administration said it will review a landmark U.S. deal with the Taliban, focusing on whether the insurgent group has reduced attacks in Afghanistan, in keeping with its side of the agreement. Washington struck a deal with the Taliban in Qatar last year, to begin withdrawing its troops in return for security guarantees from the militants and a commitment to kickstart peace talks with the Afghan government. But violence across Afghanistan has surged despite…

24 January, 2021 U.S.A

Donald Trump and Presidential Transitions

Donald Trump and Presidential Transitions After one of the most contentious elections and presidential transitions in recent history, it was a relatively scaled-back inauguration ceremony that finally placed 46th President of the U.S. Joe Biden in the Oval Office. The devastating human and economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with deep partisan rancour and the bitter aftertaste of the Capitol building attack earlier this month, meant that Inauguration Day was less a flamboyant extravaganza than a quiet celebration of multicultural America reasserting itself. There could have been no greater symbol of that assertion than the swearing-in of Kamala Harris,…

22 January, 2021 U.S.A

Joe Biden inaugurated as 46th US President, Kamala Harris sworn-in as first female US Vice President

Joe Biden inaugurated as the 46th US President, and Kamala Harris sworn in as first female US Vice President Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States in the 59th inauguration ceremony at the West Front of the US Capitol on January 20, 2021. He is the oldest US President to take the oath, as he turned 78 years old in November 2020.  Kamala Harris also created history by becoming the first female, African-American and Asian-American to be sworn in as Vice President of the United States. Her husband Doung Emhoff has become the first-ever 'second gentlemen' of the…

21 January, 2021 USA

USA Presidency Elections: Analysis

USA Presidency Elections: Analysis As America prepares for the transition from the tumultuous era of Donald Trump to what many hope would be a more sedate and serious Presidency of Joe Biden, there is as much nervousness about the challenges in future as there is a sense of anticipation about impending changes. But while politicians often have the luxury of campaigning in poetry, they have to govern in prose and respond to policy issues of the day in real time. Mr. Biden, as much as he would have liked, will neither have complete autonomy from his predecessor nor a clean…

21 January, 2021 U.S.A

Indian Diaspora in USA - Biden Cabinet

Indian Diaspora in USA - Biden Cabinet US President-elect Joe Biden has either nominated or named at least 20 Indian Americans, ahead of the historic inauguration. Of those named, 13 are women who are likely to hold key positions in Biden's administration, setting a new record in itself. While, 17 of them would be part of the powerful White House complex. Biden would be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States is already historic in the making as for the first time ever a woman Kamala Harris would be sworn as the vice president of the country.…

21 January, 2021 USA

Donald Trump (USA President) Impeachment

Donald Trump (USA President) Impeachment Impeachment is a provision that allows Congress to remove the President of the United States. The House of Representatives (Lower House) has “the sole power of impeachment” while the Senate (Upper House) has “the sole power to try all impeachments”. The Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court has the duty of presiding over impeachment trials in the Senate. What are the grounds for impeachment: The President can be removed from office for “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanours”. Essentially, it means an abuse of power by a high-level public official. This does…

20 January, 2021 U.S.A

USA and Anti Globalist Policies of Trump

The USA and Anti-Globalist Policies of Trump Few Presidents have tried to alter the fundamentals of American foreign policy since the end of the Second World War like Donald Trump has done in the past four years. Mr. Trump broke with the Washington consensus on what western policymakers and strategists call the liberal internationalist order. He put his ‘America First’ doctrine in the driving seat of his foreign policy wagon. He decried the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), the bedrock of the trans-Atlantic military cooperation, pulled the United States out of international organisations and multilateral treaties, and launched tariff wars…

18 January, 2021 U.S.A

USA and Section 230

USA and Section 230 In the U.S., Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (CDA) regulates online publication and liability. Specifically, the 1996 law states: “No provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider.” Author and cybersecurity lawyer Jeff Kosseff describes the law as ‘the 26 words that created the internet’. But the legislation has come in the crosshairs of both Republicans and Democrats. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for it to be repealed, including days ago, when he was suspended…

17 January, 2021 U.S.A

Biden unveiled a $1.9 trillion Coronavirus plan

Biden unveiled a $1.9 trillion Coronavirus plan President-elect Joe Biden has unveiled a $1.9 trillion coronavirus plan to end “a crisis of deep human suffering” by speeding up vaccines and pumping out financial help to those struggling with the pandemic’s prolonged economic fallout. Called the “American Rescue Plan,” the proposal would meet Mr. Biden’s goal of administering 100 million vaccines by the 100th day of his administration, and advance his objective of reopening most schools by the spring. On a parallel track, it delivers another round of aid to stabilise the economy while the public health effort seeks the upper…

16 January, 2021 U.S.A

Geopolitics: India, China and USA

Geopolitics: India, China and USA With days to go before its end, the Trump administration has declassified a sensitive document on the U.S. strategic framework for the Indo-Pacific’ from 2018. The 10-page document outlines objectives and strategies with regard to China, North Korea, India and other countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Maintaining “U.S. strategic primacy” in the region and promoting a “liberal economic order” while stopping China from establishing “illiberal spheres of influence” is the U.S.’s first national security challenge, as per the document. The other two challenges are ensuring that North Korea does not threaten the U.S. and advancing…

14 January, 2021 U.S.A

Section 4 of the 25th Amendment of USA Constitution

Section 4 of the 25th Amendment of the USA Constitution Section 4 of the 25th Amendment allows for the immediate removal of the President “whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.” When that happens, the “Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the…

10 January, 2021 U.S.A

Ms. Sumona Guha

Ms Sumona Guha The Biden-Harris transition team announced the appointment of Indian-American Sumona Guha to the role of Senior Director for South Asia at the National Security Council. Ms. Guha co-chaired the South Asia foreign policy working group on the Biden-Harris campaign, and was a member of the transition team. She will succeed the Trump administration’s Lisa Curtis in the role. Ms. Guha, a former Foreign Service officer, has been a senior vice-president since mid-2018 at the Albright Stonebridge Group, whose chair is former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright. She has also worked at the U.S.-India Business Council and, prior…

09 January, 2021 U.S.A

USA mob attack on Capitol

Pro-Trump Mob Attack on USA Parliament The U.S. Congress confirmed Democrat Joe Biden as the presidential election winner after a violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in a stunning attempt to overturn the presidential election. Lawmakers were resolved to complete the Electoral College tally in a display to the country, and the world, of the nation’s enduring commitment to uphold the will of the voters and the peaceful transfer of power. They pushed through the night, with tensions high and the nation’s capital on alert. The lawmakers confirmed that Mr. Biden had won the election. Mr.…

08 January, 2021 U.S.A

Analysis of USA Presidential Elections

Analysis of USA Presidential Elections January 6 was supposed to be a day of reckoning for the delicate balance of power between the American legislature and the upcoming presidency. The Democrats had barely managed to retain control of the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2020, even as their candidate, Joe Biden, had achieved a decisive victory over a first-term President. The Senate elections ended on a near coin flip as Georgia headed to run-offs with no candidate, Republican or Democrat, managing to win 50% of the vote, and the Democrats needing two more seats for a 50-50 split in…

08 January, 2021 U.S.A

Indian Diaspora: Raj Iyer

Indian Diaspora: Raj Iyer Indian-American Raj Iyer has taken over as the first Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the U.S. Army after the Pentagon created the position in July 2020. One of the highest ranking Indian-American civilians in the U.S. Department of Defense, Dr. Iyer, who holds a PhD. in Electrical Engineering, serves as the Principal Adviser to the Secretary of the Army and directs representation of the Secretary in matters relating to information management/ information technology (IT), the Pentagon said in a statement. Equivalent in rank to a three-star General, Dr. Iyer will supervise an annual budget of $16…

08 January, 2021 U.S.A

USTR slams India’s digital tax

USTR slams India’s digital tax Digital services taxes adopted by India, Italy and Turkey discriminate against U.S. companies and are inconsistent with international tax principles, the U.S. Trade Representative’s office said, paving the way for potential retaliatory tariffs. USTR, releasing the findings of its “Section 301” investigations into the digital taxes, said it was not taking specific actions at this time, but “will continue to evaluate all available options.” The probes are among several still open USTR Section 301 investigations that could lead to tariffs before President Donald Trump leaves office or early in the administration of President-elect Joe Biden.…

08 January, 2021 U.S.A

3rd India-USA 2+2 dialogue

3rd India-USA 2+2 dialogue What is 2+2 Dialogue? 2+2 Ministerial is the highest-level institutional mechanism between the two countries. It is a format of dialogue where the defence/foreign ministers or secretaries meet with their counterparts from another country. India holds such talks with Australia, Japan and the USA. India has signed the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) with the USA. BECA will enable the exchange of geospatial data and information between the two countries and will improve the accuracy of India’s missiles in precision strikes. The geospatial maps and charts to be shared, will be acquired from multiple sources…

28 October, 2020 U.S.A

CAATSA

CAATSA Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), aims at taking punitive measures against Russia, Iran, and North Korea. It was passed in the backdrop of Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine and its alleged meddling in the 2016 US presidential elections. It primarily deals with sanctions on the Russian oil and gas industry, defence and security sector, and financial institutions. It empowers the US President to impose at least 5 of 12 listed sanctions enumerated in Section 235 on persons engaged in a “significant transaction” with the Russian defence and intelligence sectors. If implemented stringently, it would impact Indian defence procurement from Russia.…

10 July, 2020 U.S.A

CAATSA and USA

CAATSA and USA Part of: GS-II- International Relation USA (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act: CAATSA is a United States federal law that imposed sanctions on Iran, North Korea, and Russia. It includes sanctions against countries that engage in significant transactions with Russia's defense and intelligence sectors. Recently, the USA has reiterated its position and asked all its allies and partners, including India, to stop transactions with Russia. It can risk triggering sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). USA’s Stand: The USA has reiterated its position on CAATSA in the context of India’s planned jet fighter deal with Russia at an…

09 July, 2020 U.S.A

F-1 and M-1 Visa Holders in USA

F-1 and M-1 Visa Holders in the USA Part of: GS-II- USA Visa issue (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Recently, the USA has announced that F-1 and M-1 visa holders who are planning to take online-only models will not be allowed to stay in the USA. Many universities in the USA are planning to shift all their classes online for the fall semester due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The fall semester starts in late August and ends in late December or early January whereas the Spring semester begins in January and ends in early May. ***F-1 visas are issued to study in the USA for full-time students whereas M-1 visas are issued to students engaging…

09 July, 2020 U.S.A

Land of the unfree: On U.S. unrest

Land of the unfree: On U.S. unrest Introduction If ever there were a doubt that racism in the U.S. had outlived eight years under former President Barack Obama, the events of this week, including protests following the death of an African-American, George Floyd, in police action in Minneapolis, Minnesota, have set them to rest. U.S unrest # Even as rallies and police crackdowns engulfed a wide swathe of American metros, President Donald Trump inserted himself into the controversy and triggered a broader debate on censorship of posts by social media platforms. # On Friday, Twitter masked and attached a caution…

01 June, 2020 U.S.A

US Cancels Red Flag

The US Cancels Red Flag Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- IR Recently, the U.S. Air Force cancelled the Phase-I of Red Flag due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored exercise meant to provide realistic training in a simulated combat environment over the Joint Pacific Alaska range complex. It is USA’s flagship multilateral air exercise. The Indian Air Force (IAF) was also to take part in the exercise with its Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets. The IAF joined Red Flag for the first time in 2008 in Nevada. It has deployed Su-30MKI, Jaguar strike aircraft, the Il-78 tankers and the C-17 strategic airlift aircraft in the exercise. However, it had said it would not take part in…

30 March, 2020 U.S.A

India-USA Defense Cooperation

India and USA Military Cooperation Part of: GS Mains and GS-II- IR Preface: India-U.S. bilateral relations have developed into a "global strategic partnership", based on shared democratic values and increasing convergence of interests on bilateral, regional and global issues. The emphasis placed by the Government in India on development and good governance has created an opportunity to reinvigorate bilateral ties and enhance cooperation under the motto --- “ChaleinSaathSaath: Forward Together We Go”, and "SanjhaPrayas, Sab ka Vikas" (Shared Effort, Progress for All) adopted during the first two summits of Prime Minister Modi and President Obama in September 2014 and January…

09 March, 2020 U.S.A

US-Taliban sign landmark agreement

US-Taliban sign landmark agreement Syllabus subtopic: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora. Prelims and Mains focus: on the agreement and its implications   News: India has signalled its acceptance of the U.S.-Taliban and U.S.-Afghanistan peace agreements in Doha and Kabul that aim to end the 18-year war in Afghanistan, by sending envoys to witness them.   What are the agreements called? 1. US-Taliban agreement: “Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan which is not recognised by the United States as a state and is known as…

02 March, 2020 U.S.A

India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership

India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Prelims and Mains focus: about the visit and its highlights; cooperation in various sectors News: US President Donald Trump concluded his maiden 2-day visit to India.   Key highlights India and the U.S. resolved to upgrade their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership that will include issues such as defence, security cooperation and revitalisation of the Indo-Pacific quadrilateral dialogue consisting of Japan, the U.S., India and Australia.   Both sides also called upon Pakistan to rein in cross-border…

26 February, 2020 U.S.A

Possibility of India-US trade deal

Possibility of India-US trade deal Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Prelims and Mains focus: on Trump’s visit and its impact on India-US relations; the possibilities and the areas where bilateral trade could get a boost.   News: A trade deal during US President Donald Trump’s visit is unlikely. But a changing geopolitical landscape, coupled with closer ties with the US, makes a deal that benefits both nations inevitable.   What’s the state of Indo-US trade ties? Bilateral trade between the US and India has been increasing, with the US recently…

25 February, 2020 U.S.A

U.S President Trump to visit India

U.S President Trump to visit India Syllabus subtopic: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora. Prelims and Mains focus: about the details of the visit; about India-US trade dispute   News: US President Donald Trump is on his first official state visit to India on 24th February. He is scheduled to travel to Ahmedabad, Agra and New Delhi on a three-stop visit that will end on 25th February.   Background “Fair trade" and “America First" have been central planks of Trump’s presidency and a pact with India will burnish his credentials as…

22 February, 2020 U.S.A

Trump’s visit may seal helicopter deal

Trump’s visit may seal helicopter deal Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Prelims and Mains focus: about the helicopter deal and its significance; about other deals on the anvil; India-US trade dispute   News: The deal for 24 MH-60R Multi-Role Helicopters (MRH) for the Navy, which is likely to be announced during the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump, is lined up for the final approval of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).   About the deal All procedural requirements for the deal have been completed. The 24 Lockheed Martin-built helicopters,…

19 February, 2020 U.S.A

USTR takes India off developing country list

USTR takes India off the developing country list Syllabus subtopic: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora. Prelims and Mains focus: about the USTR move: criteria and its implications; about CVD and de minimis standard   News: The U.S. government has changed an administrative rule making it easier for it to impose countervailing duties (CVDs) on goods from India and certain other countries.   Background To harmonise U.S. law with the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM) Agreement, the USTR had, in 1998, come up with lists of countries…

14 February, 2020 U.S.A

US-Taliban Peace deal

US-Taliban Peace deal Syllabus subtopic: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests Prelims and Mains focus: on the peace deal and its significance; about Us invasion of Afghanistan   News: More than 18 years after the US invaded Afghanistan, President Donald Trump has conditionally approved a peace deal with the Taliban, potentially beginning the end of America’s longest war.   What is the deal about? The deal would see the withdrawal of U.S. troops and the start of peace talks between the insurgents and the Afghan government.   What is the condition on the…

13 February, 2020 U.S.A

Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)

Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Prelims and Mains focus: about the India-US weapon deal; about IADWS   News: The U.S. Department of State has approved the potential sale of a $1.867 billion Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) to India.   About the weapon system The Integrated Air Defence Weapon System, also known as the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS), provides integrated air missile defence and is currently deployed around Washington, DC.   The IADWS system includes radar, launchers, targeting, and…

11 February, 2020 U.S.A

Oslo Accords

Oslo Accords Syllabus subtopic: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora. Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.   Prelims and Mains focus: About the move to withdraw and its implications, About Oslo Accords, West bank settlements; Six-Days war   News: Palestinian officials threatened on Sunday to withdraw from key provisions of the Oslo Accords, which define relations with Israel, if U.S. President Donald Trump announces his West Asia peace plan next week.   Why? Mr. Trump’s initiative will turn Israel’s temporary occupation (of Palestinian territory)…

27 January, 2020 U.S.A

India, US conclude Industrial Security Annex

India, US conclude Industrial Security Annex Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests Prelims and Mains focus: about Industrial Security Annex and its significance in Indo-US relations, 2+2 dialogue   News: India and the US have concluded the Industrial Security Annex agreement, which will facilitate collaboration between defence industries by supporting the secure transfer of key information and technology.   Industrial Security Annex ISA will enable smooth transfer of classified technology and information between private entities of the U.S. and India. The ISA is a part of the General Security of Military…

21 December, 2019 U.S.A

US President Donald Trump impeachment

US President Donald Trump's impeachment Syllabus subtopic: Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries Prelims and Mains focus: the process of impeachment of US President and its comparison with the process for Indian President’s impeachment   News: The impeachment of President Donald Trump in the U.S. House of Representatives on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress sets the stage for a historic trial next month in the Republican controlled Senate on whether he should be removed from office.   What next? Mr Trump is certain to face more friendly terrain during a trial in…

20 December, 2019 U.S.A

US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement

US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement Syllabus subtopic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. News: United States initiated the process of leaving the Paris Agreement, notifying the United Nations of its withdrawal from the landmark climate deal. The withdrawal will take effect one year from delivery of the notification Prelims focus Overview of the Paris agreement. Mains focus: Concerns and issues over US exit, its implications. Main Concern: After it leaves, the US will be the only country left out of the global protocol. Syria and Nicaragua, the last remaining countries who were earlier holding out, also became signatories…

06 November, 2019 U.S.A

18th NON ALIGNMENT SUMMIT

18th NON-ALIGNMENT SUMMIT  CONTEXT: # 18th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan. # PM Modi skips NAM summit again (for 2nd time) # PM’s absence indicates a decisive move away from past practice at the 60-year-old organisation that India was a founding member of. NEWS : Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu will represent India at the 18th NAM summit. 17th NAM Summit (which was held in Venezuela) was represented by then Vice-President Hamid Ansari. Since NAM was inaugurated in 1961, the Indian Prime Minister has always attended the NAM summit, except in 1979, when Chaudhury Charan Singh was the caretaker PM and…

24 October, 2019 U.S.A

‘Public charges’ in US immigration policy

GS-II: ‘Public charges’ in US immigration policy Context The US signalled a major change in its green card policy, by announcing an expansion in the meaning of the term “public charge”. The new rule could drastically reduce legal immigration to the US. The ‘Public Charge’ The present definition, according to the website of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), is as follows: For purposes of determining inadmissibility, “public charge” means an individual who is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence, as demonstrated by either the receipt of public cash assistance for income maintenance or institutionalization…

10 August, 2019 U.S.A

Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty

GS-II: Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Context The U.S has withdrawn from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. What’s the issue? US in early December last year announced that it would suspend its obligations under the INF treaty by Feb. 2, citing Russian “cheating,” unless Moscow comes into compliance with the terms of the pact. The U.S. government says the new Russian missile violates provisions of the pact that ban production, testing and deployment of land-based cruise and ballistic missiles with a range of 310 to 3,400 miles. What would happen in the absence of treaty? It is unclear what…

07 August, 2019 U.S.A

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